WhatsApp opens optional username reservation to boost privacy

WhatsApp has begun rolling out a feature that lets users reserve a unique username on Android and iOS. The username, limited to 35 characters and required to start with a letter, can be set via Settings > Account > Username and allows chat initiation without sharing a phone number.

The function is optional; users may continue using their phone numbers as before. An optional four‑digit security key can be required for contacts, and there is no public directory or partial search. Meta advises choosing neutral identifiers and tightening privacy settings. The reservation phase is open now, with broader activation expected by the end of 2026.